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No joke. Former Republican Senator David Fowler is pushing the Tennessee legislature to take up a new bill he’s proposed that would create a loophole in the current anti-bullying policies in the state that would — rather than protect students from being bullied — protect students’ right to bully. TPM reports:

The proposed bill would amend the state’s current anti-bullying laws to specify that the anti-bully policy should “not be construed or interpreted to infringe upon the First Amendment rights of students and shall not prohibit their expression of religious, philosophical, or political views” as long as there’s no physical threat or threat to another student’s property.

And specifically, as stated in a newsletter from Fowler’s organization, the Family Action Council of Tennessee, the legislation would “make sure [the law] protects the religious liberty and free speech rights of students who want to express their views on homosexuality.” So remember all the anti-LGBTQ bullying across the country that is playing a role in so many kids ending their lives? This dude wants to make it legally okay to do so.

The central tenants of this proposed legislation is actually already being implemented as “neutrality policies” in anti-bullying legislation across the country, the most recent being a Minnesota school district that directs school authorities to “remain neutral on matters regarding sexual orientation.” In the meantime, there have been seven school suicides in that very district over the last two years. (The district is being investigated by the Department of Justice.)

What’s important to remember is that these policies and Fowler’s bill is not really about free speech rights, but an explicit anti-LGBTQ agenda and attempt to block any policies that would actually make a difference. And considering this bill would be so broad to include protecting the “expression of religious, philosophical, or political views,” it could put a number of other students in danger as well; really, it would pretty much legalize bullying altogether. But make no mistake about it; this has nothing to do with protecting rights and everything to do with desperate attempts to protect and sustain bigotry — at the expense of students’ lives.

I get it, I really do. You don’t want to give your business and generate revenue in states that are passing discriminatory laws. In recent weeks, legislatures in North Carolina and Mississipi have passed an anti-trans “bathroom law” and a broad “religious freedom” law respectively, and legislators in Tennessee and Missouri introduced anti-LGBT legislation. The public backlash has been swift. From corporations to entertainers to cities, many are taking a stand and boycotting these states, with a particular focus onNorth Carolina. The outpouring of support touches me deeply as someone who identifies as queer. In a world where I sometimes feel so alone, to witness the coalescing of voices to combat such hatred is truly breathtaking.

Although I ...

I get it, I really do. You don’t want to give your business and generate revenue in states that are passing discriminatory laws. In recent weeks, legislatures in North Carolina and Mississipi have passed an anti-trans “bathroom ...

Sometimes laughing is better than crying, and Funny or Die seems to get that. In response to Tennessee’s anti-gay counseling bill currently pending on the governor’s desk, they made a tongue in cheek “anti-gay tourism” video. It put the smile on my face that I didn’t even know I needed.

Apparently, these videos are a thing! I totally snickered at Mississippi’s (we’re even worse than North Carolina!). If you’re in need of some giggles to help process the terrible that is the current anti-LGBTQ political climate, I highly recommend this rabbit hole.

Sometimes laughing is better than crying, and Funny or Die seems to get that. In response to Tennessee’s anti-gay counseling bill currently pending on the governor’s desk, they made a tongue in cheek “anti-gay tourism” video. ...

The experiences and role that Black queer and trans folks have played in resisting North Carolina’s HB2 have been erased – shedding light on a popular trend in mainstream, white-led gay rights movements.

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